Numerous fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a claim made by Oliver Holt regarding the newly-formed European Super League (ESL).

In his post on Twitter, the journalist claimed that he is “hearing the first cracks may be beginning to appear” between the clubs of the highly controversial proposed tournament, with two unnamed English sides thought to be “close to losing their nerve” in pressing forward within the ESL.

This is likely to be down to the fact that the clubs who have signed up to the league are facing an enormous backlash from the footballing world, as well as a whole range of possible sanctions such as expulsion from their domestic leagues and their players being banned from participating at the European Championships and the World Cup.

After Holt’s claim was relayed by City Xtra, many fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty hoping that Pep Guardiola’s side are among the two reportedly considering pulling out of the ESL proposals. Others simply begged City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak to make a U-turn on their commitment to the new league.

So, what did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to Oliver Holt’s European Super League update?

“Please City, please.”

@TomYates9816

“DO IT KHALDOON.”

@MCFCPio

“City please, come on.”

@cam9ii

“Manchester City are still alive here…”

@4Foden

“City and Chelsea please God, make this happen.”

@denys_17_

“I’m on my kneeeeeeeeeeees.”

@Jimbojunior3

“Leave Man City. Do the right thing and apologise and leave.”

@SuperbKDB

In other news: ‘This can’t be real’, ‘Disgusting’ – Many MCFC fans rage as ‘horrific’ Sam Wallace claim emerges – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 270 career appearances, has backed Matt Ritchie to step up and become Newcastle United captain during Jamaal Lascelles’ time on the sidelines.

Ritchie started for the first time against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday since the 3-1 defeat to Leicester City at the start of January, and he was instrumental in the Magpies’ equaliser as he whipped the ball into the box before the goal.

Just last month it was reported that Steve Bruce had a bust-up with Ritchie after their 1-1 draw against Wolves, as the winger failed to pass on instructions when he was subbed on before Ruben Neves scored.

Speaking on if Ritchie would be a good captain for the Magpies and why it could be what the fans want instead of current vice-captain Jonjo Shelvey, Howey told FFC:

“I don’t see why not because I think Shelvey’s been captain when Lascelles hasn’t been fit and that’s maybe not who the fans would expect.

“I don’t think the fans would have any qualms whatsoever about Matt Ritchie getting the captaincy.”

Ritchie joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in 2016 as he dropped into the Championship to play for the Magpies under Rafa Benitez.

The £45,000-per-week winger has found regular game time difficult to come by this season having been handed just eight starts in the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo tem se movimentado no mercado em busca de opções de reforços para 2017. Depois de Nilmar, do Al Nasr (EAU), a diretoria consultou a situação de dois jogadores que atuam na Ucrânia: os atacantes Bernard e Wellington Nem, do Shakhtar Donetsk. No caso dos dois jogadores de 24 anos, no entanto, a possibilidade de acerto é difícil.

Tanto Bernard quanto Wellington possuem mais um ano e meio de contrato com o clube ucraniano, que costuma dificultar a saída de seus jogadores. Nos dois casos, a possibilidade que se abre para o Tricolor é por empréstimo, já que o Shakhtar tem recusado propostas milionárias por seus atletas nos últimos anos. Na última janela de transferências internacionais, recusou 25 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 100 milhões) do Porto por Bernard, por exemplo.

Os contatos do São Paulo são com os representantes dos jogadores. Existe a possibilidade de Alexandre Pássaro, advogado do clube, viajar para a Ucrânia nos próximos dias para saber se os ucranianos têm interesse em ceder seus atletas. Adriano Spadoto, empresário de Bernard, pode ir junto para auxiliar nos contatos sobre o ex-jogador do Atlético-MG que disputou a última Copa do Mundo sob o comando de Luiz Felipe Scolari.

A ideia do São Paulo é mapear o máximo possível de jogadores com potencial. A diretoria está focada em garantir a permanência na Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro, mas terá de se movimentar para montar um time forte para 2017. Em abril, acontece a eleição para presidente e Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva, o atual, sabe que a atuação na próxima janela de transferências será um ponto importante para vencer o pleito..

A diretoria tem previsão de maiores investimentos para o ano que vem, já que os gastos com contratações em 2016 foram reduzidos (exceção à aquisição de Maicon, cujos R$ 22 milhões pagos ao Porto foram parcelados). No entanto, terá disputas acirradas no mercado caso invista mais forte nas contratações desses atletas. Wellington Nem e Bernard sempre despertam o interesse de grandes clubes brasileiros a cada janela de transferências e dessa vez não será diferente. Palmeiras e Flamengo, que brigam pelo título do Campeonato Brasileiro, são considerados os de maiores potenciais de investimento pela situação financeira confortável que passam.

Atualmente, o São Paulo conta com três atacantes de beirada de campo no elenco: Kelvin, que está emprestado pelo Porto até o fim do ano e não deve permanecer, Robson, recém-chegado do Paraná, Luiz Araújo e David Neres, recém-promovidos do time Sub-20.

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قررت اللجنة المنظمة لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية بالإمارات، فتح باب حجز التذاكر من جديد اليوم لمباراة الأهلي والهلال السعودي.

ومن المقرر إقامة المباراة في الثالثة عصر غدٍ السبت، لتحديد الفريق الفائز بالمركز الثالث والميدالية البرونزية، على أن يتم استخدام السعة الكاملة لمدرجات استاد آل نهيان الذي يستضيف اللقاء.

وقررت اللجنة المنظمة للبطولة استخدام السعة الكاملة لمدرجات الاستاد، بدلا من نسبة 30% المستخدمة في المباريات السابقة، وعلى جماهير الأهلي الراغبة في حضور مباراة الغد ومؤازرة فريقها سرعة الحجز الآن عبر موقع البطولة، حيث تتم عملية بيع تذاكر البطولة إلكترونيا وفقا لقواعد اللجنة المنظمة من بداية البطولة.

طالع أيضا.. مدرب الهلال: مشاركة الأهلي 7 مرات في المونديال لا تمنحه أفضلية.. وهدفنا البرونزية

وكان الأهلي قد خسر أمام بالميراس البرازيلي بهدفين دون رد في مباراة نصف النهائي، ليضرب موعدًا مع الهلال السعودي زعيم آسيا بعد خسارته من تشيلسي بطل أوروبا بهدف نظيف في الدور ذاته.

As per El Universal, Manchester City are said to be looking for €18m (£15.6m) to part ways with Southampton target Yangel Herrera.

Price tag set for Herrera

The Saints have been linked with a move for Herrera (Manchester Evening News), who is currently on loan at Granada in La Liga.

Now, it has been revealed the Venezuela international is valued at €18m (£15.6m) by the Citizens.

Bargain

Herrera has been with Granada since the start of the 2019/20 campaign and has been an important part of their success. He has managed 75 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists (Transfermarkt). He helped Granada finish seventh in the table last term and reach the Copa Del Rey semi-finals while this time out, they have made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, although they do face an uphill battle to qualify for the next round as they trail Manchester United 2-0 after the first leg.

Given his performances in Spain, Pep Guardiola and the Citizens are said to be considering introducing him into the City fold from next term onwards (Goal.com). However, should they decide he does not quite have the ability to perform at the level required, Southampton may have the chance to sign a player racking up a lot of high level experience at the age of 23.

In other news, Southampton fans rage at this club deal.

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has urged his old side to move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer if Newcastle United end up getting relegated.

Firmly caught up in a relegation battle this season, the Magpies could find themselves playing in the Championship next term. Such a scenario could easily see some of their star players push for a move, with Saint-Maximin falling into that category.

The 24-year-old French winger is the best dribbler at the club, averaging the most dribbles per league game (3.2, per WhoScored), and Hendrie believes that sort of flair out wide is something Villa severely lack.

“He is one that I would certainly take,” the ex-Villa player told TT when discussing Saint-Maximin in an exclusive interview. “He’s got that Premier League credibility. We’ve seen what he can do.”

Hendrie later went on to add:

“He’s got that attack rate, he’s got flair, you know, all sorts. He could be a key addition to a Villa side that I feel… that’s where they’ve really lacked, in wide areas.

“Touched on Trezeguet before, I think he’d certainly come into the side, he reminds me in certain elements of [Bertrand] Traore, but he’s possibly got that little bit more element of pace going forward and he’s very direct, so he’d be someone I’d certainly be looking at.”

Trezeguet and Traore both looked sharp in Villa’s recent 3-1 win over Fulham. The former managed to grab two goals on the day, while the latter was able to muster up an assist.

Next up for the attacking duo is the visit of Liverpool, while Saint-Maximin and Newcastle take on Burnley.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Julian Draxler has reportedly made up his mind over his future, with the German set to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The 27-year-old was linked with a move to Elland Road in January in what would have been a major signal of intent from Marcelo Bielsa.

Instead, Draxler ended up staying put at PSG until the end of the season, but he has only managed a total of nine starts in Ligue 1 in the current campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Draxler makes key decision over PSG future

According to Sport1 [via Leeds Live], the 56-cap Germany World Cup winner has decided where his next destination will be this summer, but the report doesn’t specify which club he intends joining, leaving one major question unanswered.

Draxler’s current PSG deal expires at the end of the season, meaning that whoever snaps him will be able to sign him on a free transfer.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, Draxler’s wage demands are likely to be too great for Leeds to justify, with the winger thought to be earning close to a staggering £363,000 per week at PSG. That is almost seven times more than what Rodrigo, who is the Whites’ top earner, takes home.

If Bielsa managed to work his magic, it would be a stunning piece of business given the player’s pedigree, but he is likely to head to a club which may be better placed to meet his current wages.

Were he to move to Elland Road, however, he could have the potential to elevate Leeds to an even higher level, inspiring those around him to duly raise their own standards. For instance, his passing success rate of 88% this term is bettered by only three members of Bielsa’s squad – all of whom have defensive roles and barely feature.

That alone suggests that Draxler would be a tremendous addition to the Whites if they can land him.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly ‘not expecting’ one player to stay at the club beyond this summer. Find out who it is here.

After returning from injury recently, Southampton striker Michael Obafemi seemingly has an ideal opportunity to prove himself to Ralph Hasenhuttl in the final few games of the Premier League season.

The Republic of Ireland U’21 international was close to joining Swansea City on loan in the January transfer window after barely featuring in the first half of the season, before an injury problem meant that the deal was called off and that he would stay at Staplewood to recover.

However, the 20-year-old has now made a full recovery and should be in contention to feature in some of Southampton’s final five Premier League fixtures which, barring an unlikely series of results from Fulham and West Brom, will have very little bearing on the Saints’ season.

Hasenhuhttl’s side look to be safe from relegation despite an awful run of form in 2021, which suggests that some of the younger players in the squad could be given opportunities to impress over the coming weeks.

Obafemi has made just two substitute appearances for the Saints this season and has seemingly fallen behind the likes of Nathan Tella and Dan N’Lundulu in the pecking order, despite having plenty of experience in the Premier League.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/southampton-saints-ralph-hasenhuttl-martin-semmens-st-marys” title=”Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more”]

In total, the 20-year-old forward has made 35 appearances for the senior side at Southampton, in which he has contributed five goals and four assists, yet it seems that Hasenhuttl is not convinced by his professionalism, which might explain his lack of appearances earlier in the season.

However, now that he has returned from injury at a time where Danny Ings is currently sidelined, it seems as if he has been handed a golden chance to prove that he has the quality to play in the Premier League, and these next few games could end up defining his Southampton career.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431″]

After all, Obafemi has just one year left on his deal, and if he fails to impress in the next few weeks, he could end up departing St Mary’s ahead of next season, either on loan or permanently, which would be a shame as he has shown a lot of promise at times, notably when he became Southampton’s youngest ever scorer in the Premier League back in 2018.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl handed huge boost over £5m Saints beast dubbed “one of the best” by Guardiola

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has compared Illan Meslier to Iker Casillas, in terms of the career he could end up enjoying.

The Whites have enjoyed an excellent season back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals performing impressively.

The likes of Stuart Dallas, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha all stand out, in that respect, but Meslier is another who has been an influential figure.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has been a model of consistently between the sticks, playing with a maturity beyond his years and thriving with the ball at his feet too, enjoying a 78 percent pass completion rate in the league this season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Martyn heaps praise on Meslier

Speaking to Leeds United News about Meslier, ex-England international Martyn tipped him to have similar success to former Real Madrid and Spain legend Casillas:

“Look at Iker Casillas at Real Madrid, he got into the team at an early age and look at the career he had. It is probably good for France going forward because he’s starting so young.

“Imagine how good he will be when gets to his late twenties, he might be on 300 or 400 games by then. With experience comes a better player.

“I think he has had a great season personally – but I don’t think I could look back on a season of mine where I haven’t made a mistake.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is certainly massive praise from Martyn, but it is understandable to see the comparisons, considering Meslier is already flourishing at such a young age.

In fairness, Casillas was already playing in a Champions League final at a similar age, suggesting he was on another level still, but the Leeds hero has incredible potential and has been described as ‘fearsome’ by Tony Cascarino recently, praise which is evidenced by the fact he has missed just one league fixture this term and made the second-most saves in the league.

For now, he just needs to continue to shine for the Whites, adding to his 43 total appearances, but he looks like a future France No.1 in-waiting.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a hugely exciting winger – find out who it is here.

According to a report by journalist Nicolo Schira, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have already made an approach to RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann amid growing pressure on Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, as per the reporter, the 33-year-old has been ‘contacted by Tottenham’ over the ‘last weeks’ – with Serie A giants AS Roma also making an approach for Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann contact made by Tottenham

The German has been heavily linked with a possible Spurs appointment if Mourinho is indeed shown the door as other outlets claim he is one of the top candidates on Levy’s shortlist (Daily Record).

Other names linked in the press include Brendan Rodgers, and more recently, Maurizio Sarri – but Schira has now shared news of Tottenham’s recent contact with Nagelsmann as Bundesliga side Bayern Munich also contemplate a move.

It is claimed by the journalist that Bayern ‘will choose’ the exciting Leipzig coach when current boss Hans-Dieter Flick replaces Joachim Low at the helm of the German national team.

Nagelsmann is also apparently ‘waiting’ for the German giants, but that allegedly hasn’t stopped Spurs from making an approach in the last weeks according to Schira.

Transfer Tavern take

Leipzig starlet Tyler Adams, speaking to ESPN recently (via Bundesliga), heralded his manager as a ‘fearless coach’ – meanwhile goalkeeper turned journalist Lutz Pfannenstiel dubbed Nagelsmann the ‘most exciting coaching talent in Europe’ (DAZN).

Still in contention for a league title this season, Nagelsmann has arguably worked wonders with this RB side and it’s little wonder he is on the managerial radar of clubs across Europe.

Without a doubt, in our opinion, he should be the number one coaching target for Levy if Mourinho is given his marching orders.

In other news: Tottenham still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.